Moses: A 3-Day Journey From Bondage to PromiseSýnishorn

God Gave Moses the Sacrifices

A world where these commands are always fulfilled would be supremely good. But while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments at the top of the mountain, God’s people were breaking them at the bottom of the mountain.

In Moses’ absence, his brother, Aaron, made a golden idol in the shape of a calf, and the people said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4). So, God said to Moses, “Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves” (Exodus 32:7).

God’s people had broken the first commandment. Moses called them to repent, and the vast majority of them did. But something more was needed before they could be forgiven. An offense had been committed and a price would have to be paid. According to Hebrews 9:22, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins."

When God gave the laws, He also gave the sacrifices to His people. Forgiveness and restoration were always in the mind and the heart of God, and the sacrifices meant that God’s people were saved from facing the full penalties of the law.

Even at this early stage in the Bible story, God is preparing us for the coming of Jesus. The sacrifices in the Old Testament show why the Son of God had to come into the world. Jesus did what the sacrifice of animals could only point to. He made atonement for our sins, and forgiveness is found through faith in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• How can people be forgiven if they break the Ten Commandments?
• Would you like to live in a world where everyone followed the Ten Commandments?